Heard some sad news last week. Retired Italian cyclist Franco Ballerini was killed in a rally car race. My first memories of Ballerini date back to when he rode with the powerful Mapei squad. One of the strangest and controversial wins include the 1996 Paris Roubaix in which Mapei took four of the top five places. Looking back on it with fresh eyes focused with the late 90s and 2000s doping scandals I think it is safe to say that perhaps Mapei's domination of the sport wasn't totally natural. Regardless they sure were exciting to watch.
I remember well Ballerini's last Paris Roubiax, I'm not sure if he was on Mapei then or not, I believe he moved across to Lampre towards the end of his career. Anyway, he finished well off the pace, and as the winner was hoisting the winning cobble aloft there was Ballerini riding around the velodrome in a last tribute, his jersey unzipped and the words "Merci Roubaix" on his undershirt. Classy.
Ballerini was not finished with cycling when he retired as a rider. For many years he served as the coach of the Italian National team for the World Championships. Perhaps is greatest success came in his first year, 2002 when he brilliantly coached Mario Cipollini to victory.
He was a great rider and its a shame he had to die such a sudden and tragic death, he leaves behind his wife and two children. Below is a short tribute to the man, its in Italian I believe, but you will get a glimpse of this great rider.
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